If you are working through the divorce process as a parent, you could have different legal issues to think about. For example, you could have to deal with the possibility of a dispute over child custody, and you should also think about child support if you expect to owe payments soon. Preparing for these obligations is smart because it can help you avoid falling behind on child support, which can have serious consequences.
Aside from understanding how the state calculates the amount of support that a non-custodial parent owes, you should also go over some of the different ways you can pay child support.
California offers different child support payment methods
California Child Support Services states that parents who owe child support can pay support in a number of ways. For example, you can submit payments via credit card or debit card on the state’s website, or you can call the State Disbursement Unit. You can also make online payments through approved third-party services or at a local child support agency.
In addition, you can pay child support by making cash payments at numerous locations around California, have the payments taken from your checking or savings account or you can mail a check or money order to the state.
Crucial child support payment considerations
Many parents have support taken out of their checks by their employer through an income withholding order, but these do not always take effect right away. Moreover, you could have to find another way to pay child support if you are self-employed or do not have an income withholding order in place. Make sure you understand possible fees and processing times.
Regardless of how you pay, do your best to avoid falling behind on child support.
